Page 243 of 392

These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
Tire chain use is permitted only on the rear tires of
Dakota trucks.
NOTE:The use of class “S” chains is permitted on
Dakotas with P245/70R16 tires.
CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on 4x4 Dakota trucks
equipped with P265/65R17 tires. There may not be
adequate clearance for the chains and you are risking
structural or body damage to your vehicle. Do not
use tire chains on the 4X2 front wheels of Dakota
models. There may not be adequate clearance for the
chains and you are risking structural or body dam-
age to your vehicle.
SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
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Page 253 of 392

Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and shows the Month, Day, and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options, and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems. Total load must be limited so that
GVWR is not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options, and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the component in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels).
Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased durability do not
necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
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Page 390 of 392

Load Capacity.....................229,230
Radial.............................. 236
Replacement......................... 240
Rotation............................. 244
Safety...........................224,233
Sizes............................... 226
Snow Tires........................... 243
Spare Tire........................... 276
Spinning............................ 238
Tread Wear Indicators................... 239
Wheel Mounting....................... 278
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 282
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 258
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 203
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 286
Towing............................... 256
Disabled Vehicle....................... 287
Guide.............................. 260
Recreational.......................... 264Weight.............................. 260
Traction.............................. 269
Trailer Towing.......................... 256
Cooling System Tips.................... 262
Hitches............................. 259
Minimum Requirements................. 260
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 258
Wiring.............................. 261
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 260
Trailer Weight.......................... 260
Transaxle............................. 199
Automatic........................... 199
Operation........................... 199
Transfer Case........................... 323
Fluid............................... 345
Transmission........................199,320
Automatic......................196,199,320
Filter............................... 322
Fluid.........................320,322,345
390 INDEX